Strain rate dependent low velocity impact response of layerwise 3D-reinforced composite structures

The performance evaluation of a novel layerwise 3D-reinforced glass-fibre composite material under low velocity impact loading conditions is presented. Firstly, strain rate dependent material properties are determined, for which the experimental procedure is explained in detail on the example of polypropylene and epoxy matrix based composite configurations. The gained orthotropic property-profile provides the input parameters for a numerical low velocity impact analysis of a demonstrator structure. This complex shaped bucket structure, manufactured within a VARTM process, is subjected to various impact scenarios, for which a fully instrumented drop tower testing rig has been designed and utilised. The numerical results are compared with the experimentally observed impact response. The predictive capability of the proposed multidisciplinary evaluation approach for composites subjected to impact loading conditions is finally discussed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.